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Can I Get VA Disability for My Sciatica?
More than 1.5 million U.S. military veterans receive VA disability benefits for paralysis of the sciatic nerve. Others receive benefits for less serious issues impacting the sciatic nerve. If you suffer from sciatica or related issues, here’s what you need to know about VA disability.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is pain, tingling or numbness of the sciatic nerve, sometimes with associated weakness. It’s not actually a condition itself, but a symptom that may stem from nerve damage or from pressure on the nerve. The pressure may be caused by another part of the body compressing the nerve or by inflammation.
How Does the VA Treat Sciatica?
The rating schedules for VA disability address three separate sciatic nerve disorders. These are:
- Paralysis of the sciatic nerve
- Neuritis
- Neuralgia
Paralysis of the sciatic nerve is the most serious of these conditions, and is also the one that accounts for the largest number of VA disability awards. In the most recently reported year alone, more than 72,000 new claims for paralysis of the sciatic nerve were approved.
The disability rating for this condition varies depending on the extent and severity of the paralysis:
- Complete paralysis of the sciatic nerve – 80% VA disability rating
- Incomplete but severe paralysis with marked muscular atrophy – 60% VA disability rating
- Moderately severe paralysis – 40% VA disability rating
- Moderate paralysis – 20% VA disability rating
- Mild paralysis – 10% VA disability rating
The possible ratings for neuritis and neuralgia vary between 10% and 60%.
Establishing Your Claim for VA Disability for Sciatica
Whether you’re pursuing VA disability benefits for sciatica or another condition, you must demonstrate that you suffer from the condition and that the condition is service-connected. In addition, it will be up to you to provide sufficient medical information for the VA to arrive at the appropriate disability rating.
If that sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t worry. You don’t have to figure it out on your own. The experienced VA disability benefits advocates at Veterans Help Group have a thorough knowledge of the VA claims and appeals processes, and understand what type of evidence is required to establish each aspect of your claim. To learn more about how we can help, call 855-855-8992 right now or fill out our contact form.
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